Search site

Find information on

Useful links

“Having started two languages from scratch I spent two years studying abroad. This experience has certainly given me confidence, independence and a heightened cultural awareness, let alone an invaluable combination of language skills. Studying abroad really gives you the opportunity to get to grips with a language and culture as well as travel and have fun!”

PGDip Philosophy of Religion and Ethics

You need to enable Javascript in order for the navigation tabs to work as intended.

Key facts

Start date September 2018

Duration/mode 12 months distance learning, 24 months part time

UK/EU fees £5,500 (total)

International fees £5,500 (total)

Entry requirements A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant discipline.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant discipline.

Language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component

Overview

This course addresses fundamental questions in philosophy of religion and ethics and will be taught entirely online.

Drawing on the School’s outstanding research in philosophy of religion and ethics (PRE), you’ll use a variety of online learning resources to explore key issues in the field of PRE. You’ll have the opportunity to consider themes such as: concepts of God; the nature of justice; religious experience; ethics of the environment; the religious and spiritual significance of the arts and our relationship to the natural world.

This programme is designed to be accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds. It will be of interest to students with a personal interest in philosophical and religious questions, and also to teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge of philosophy and religious studies for professional development purposes.

You can also study this programme for an MA or PGCert qualification. You’ll study the same content as the MA programme, but take fewer modules overall for the PGCert and more modules for the MA.

Course content

There are two modules in the philosophy of religion strand of the course: a module examining concepts of God, and a module examining religious and spiritual practice, and its significance for our understanding of the nature of a good human life. You can take both modules if studying the PGDip or MA.

You also take a core module in ethical theory, and choose from optional modules on a range of ethical themes, such as life and death, the environment, and the nature of justice.

The dissertation enables you to investigate a topic of your choice at length with the support of a supervisor, and to apply the knowledge and skills in independent research that you have developed in the course. As a PGDip student, you have the option of writing a dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Learning and teaching

This course is taught entirely online, so you can fit your studies around your social and professional life. You’ll be able to access a wide range of teaching and learning resources through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and use the University Library’s online resources for your own independent research. You’ll also be able to discuss issues arising from your studies with other students through our forums.

Assessment

For most modules, you keep a weekly log, in which you reflect on the study exercises for the week. In addition, you make regular contributions to discussion forums, and write one or more essays. The discussion forum contributions and essays determine the final module mark.

English language requirements

How to apply

Application deadlines

There is no final deadline for applications, but we recommend you apply as early as possible. For UK/EU candidates we recommend submitting your application no later than two weeks before the start of the course, and at least one month before the start date for international students.

Fees

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

This programme will be of interest to teachers of Philosophy and Religious Studies for professional development purposes. The course can also provide a route into a research degree in the fields of philosophy of religion and ethics. Equally, the important skills of argumentation and clear expression that are developed in the programme will be valuable in a wide range of work settings.